Memorandum submitted by Revd Andrew McClellan (CJ&I 165)

 

Dear Members of the Committee

 

I am writing to express my serious concerns about the proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice and Immigration Bill, which would make it a criminal offence to 'incite hatred on the grounds of sexuality'.

 

As a committed Christian I firmly believe that we should love all people, regardless of their lifestyle, beliefs and sexual practices. However, I also feel that the introduction of this proposed law is ill-advised and poses a considerable danger to freedom of speech and freedom of religion in our nation.

 

The Bible makes it clear that God designed sexual activity to be kept in a marriage relationship between one man and one woman, and that sexual activity outside such a relationship is wrong.  Many people - whether of homosexual or heterosexual orientation - find such teaching difficult to uphold, and may even consider it offensive or threatening.  Nevertheless it is an orthodox belief of the Christian Church, and is taught with the aim of inciting not hatred but repentance for things done wrongs in the past, reconciliation and thankfulness to God for his good gifts.

 

As a minister in the Church of England, I promised at my Ordination to expound and teach the doctrine of the Christian faith as the Church of England has received it.  The proposed amendment to the Bill would make it illegal for me to uphold my Ordination promises by effectively criminalising the propagation of such teaching in this area of sex and relationships.

 

I would urge the Committee to reject the proposed amendment on the basis that it is not only unnecessary in view of existing legislation, but that it would endanger the freedoms that we now enjoy.

 

November 2007